Hammersmith and Fulham 15 : 26 Diss - 4th January 2015

It took Diss at least thirty minutes to wake up and start competing following a three hour coach journey through central London. During this period Diss found themselves 12 nil down and very much on the back foot. Hammersmith and Fulham totally dominated the early exchanges and played a very fluid and attacking style of rugby moving the Diss side across the field at real pace.

Hammersmith were able to secure clean possession from the breakdown and following a series of quick rucks scored after 14 minutes, wide on the right through their winger. On the half hour a speculative high ball was not gathered cleanly and the resulting bouncing ball fell into the Hammersmith wingers hands, who sprinted from just inside the Diss half to score . The try was converted and Diss were 12-nil down as half time approached. To stay in the encounter Diss needed to score next and following a series of superb drives by the forwards at the scrummage, Joe Seaman was able to force his way over. Although the conversion was missed, the large group of travelling supporters quickly assessed that Diss were now in the ascendancy in the forwards and the writing was on the wall for the Fulham outfit.

However at the beginning of the second half a careless infringement at a ruck allowed Hammersmith to increase their lead with a well taken penalty. At 15-5, Diss needed to respond immediately. The forwards now began to take complete control of the game. The back row of John Laurie, Fraser Hall and Michael Fuller dominated the breakdown and Tim Groom and Matt Richards used their experience to drive deep into the Hammersmith half. This now turned into a game for the purists. Following a driving maul that travelled thirty metres, Michael Fuller scored a superb try and Jack Keppel converted to bring the Norfolk side right back into the game.

The Hammersmith forwards were now out on their feet and at every opportunity Diss drove deep into the opposition pack. Ryan Carter introduced at half time was beginning to also have an impact in the loose and following an excellent Carter drive and a number of ruthless rucks Diss launched an attack through their back division. Kieran Pask broke through a number of tackles and sent Josh Ludkin over. Jack Keppel stepped up to convert and Diss now led with 10 minutes remaining.

The total domination of the Diss eight very soon came to fruition again with a series of driving mauls and five metre scrummages. From one such maul Matt Richards crashed over to seal the victory. Hammersmith attacked valiantly towards the end of the game but by now the Diss defensive organisation and structure meant that no further points were conceded. During this period Henry Passmore , Warren Wilby, John Laurie and Michael Fuller showed their true defensive qualities. This was without doubt a hard fought and well deserved victory that highlighted the growing confidence within Diss squad.